Some gluten-free Cheerios recalled for accidentally containing wheat

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FILE – This June 15, 2011 file photo shows a spoonful of Honey Nut Cheerios in Pembroke, N.Y. General Mills on Monday, Oct. 5, 2015 said it is recalling 1.8 million boxes of Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios produced at a plant in Lodi, Calif., saying the cereal is labeled gluten-free but actually contains wheat. (AP Photo/David Duprey, File)

LOS ANGELES – General Mills announced today a voluntary recall of certain lots of Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios cereal produced at its plant in California’s Central Valley due to an undeclared allergen — wheat — with potential adverse health effects.

The recall involves Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios produced on certain dates in July due to “an isolated incident” that “resulted in wheat flour being inadvertently introduced into the gluten-free oat flour system” at its Lodi facility, according to General Mills.

“As a result, the products may contain an undeclared allergen — wheat — in products labeled as gluten-free, according to General Mills, which is recalling and retrieving affected cereals from customer warehouses and store shelves.

Consumers with wheat allergies, celiac disease or gluten intolerance shouldn’t consume products bearing the affected code dates and should contact General Mills for a replacement or full refund, according to the company.

The recall involves four days production of original (yellow box) Cheerios, and 13 days of production of Honey Nut Cheerios with the following “BETTER IF USED BY” code dates and the plant code LD, which indicates the product was produced at Lodi:

• 12JUL2016LD

• 13JUL2016LD

• 14JUL2016LD

• 15JUL2016LD

• 16JUL2016LD

• 17JUL2016LD

• 18JUL2016LD

• 20JUL2016LD

• 21JUL2016LD

• 22JUL2016LD

• 23JUL2016LD

• 24JUL2016LD

• 25JUL2016LD

• 14JUL2016LD

• 15JUL2016LD

• 16JUL2016LD

• 17JUL2016LD

Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios cereals produced at General Mills’ other facilities, or on dates other than those noted at the Lodi facility, are not impacted, nor are its other gluten-free Cheerios varieties — including Apple Cinnamon Cheerios, Frosted Cheerios and MultiGrain Cheerios.

Consumers requesting refunds or who have further questions should contact General Mills Consumer Services at (800) 775-8370.